Deathtouched - Chapter 7
Zoe was enjoying her life so much, other than having to wash dishes that is. She'd be happier when she graduated to actually making the meals instead of cleaning up after them. She'd been assured that she'd be rotated out in a few more weeks.
Her relationship with Judy had solidified into a strong bond with the purple eyed rabbit. Judy had only asked once so far for permission to spend the night with another bunny and Zoe gave her permission to do so. That night was the hardest she'd had to endure to date. Not that she was jealous, but their bed was empty, and Zoe missed her so much. Hugging Judy's pillow to her chest and smelling her scent gave scant comfort. When Zoe saw Judy next, she threw herself into Judy's arms. When Judy asked what the problem was, Zoe explained. Judy promised that, if there was a next time, she wouldn't spend the entire night with the other bunny but come back to their bed and Zoe.
School didn't hold much of a challenge except for the Social Studies and History curriculum. Even those didn't pose much of a problem since she had Judy and the rest of the family to help. Even Candace proved to be a veritable font of information. Zoe was even able to relax and enjoy Candace's flirtations. She wasn't averse to sleeping with Candace, but she wasn't ready and when she was, the bunny that had first dibs was Judy. It didn't stop Zoe from letting Candace kiss her, since she had permission from Judy to do more if she wanted to.
It was Zoe's chore free day but, even so, she still spent several hours playing with the little ones in the nursery. Sadly, Judy had tractor duty, so Zoe decided to take the opportunity and explore the area. After signing out a set of keys, Zoe was happily driving along the road toward the mountains. She'd stopped and talked to Edgar and Walter for a while before heading out again. As she drove, she began to get one of her feelings that something important was about to happen.
A few minutes later, Zoe passed an elderly vixen standing on the side of the road in an old-fashioned dress and a white lace shawl. Zoe stopped and then reversed before pulling off the side of the road. She climbed out of the truck and walked over to the spirit.
"Hello! My name is Zoe, Zoe Hopps."
The vixen smiled and said Hello youngling. I'm Marge Grey.
Zoe's eyebrow rose "Any relation to a Kevin Grey?"
My brother. He was friends with Billy Hopps when they died. Sadly, My other brother, Harry, blamed the Hopps family for our brother's death and taught my son Greg to blame them for his death as well, He instilled a hatred of bunnies in my grandson, Gideon. I tried to intervene, but Greg held too much sway over my grandson and turned him into a bully. Greg hasn't been the nicest husband or father and he tends to get a bit too... physical... with Darla and Gideon. I was able to keep it to a minimum while I was alive, but now? I can't rest until I'm sure they're safe. Which is why I was hoping to find you.
Zoe's heart was breaking. She hated Domestic abuse and Child abuse with a passion that was almost holy in its intensity. She remembered a friend of hers from before she died that had been taken by DCF because his mother had broken his arm - for the third time. Zoe couldn't understand how a parent could do that to their any child, much less their own. "What do you need me to do?"
The vixen smiled at her. Greg's gotten drunk again and started arguing with Darla. She sent Gideon out of the house not wanting him to see what she knew was going to happen. Gideon isn't far from here in his favorite alone place, but he's suffering horribly. He feels it's his fault because he told his dad the wanted to be a baker instead of a farmer and that's what set Greg off. Please, help him.
"Show me where he is."
The vixen led her to a small clearing. As she approached, she could hear sobbing interspersed with screams and a loud noise that sounded like wood breaking. Moving the last of the branches out of her way, she saw a chubby tod who had to be Gideon. She saw him scream again and swing a branch against a nearby tree, breaking the branch in two.
Zoe felt her zen state settle over her as she walked into the clearing. She was making no effort to hide the fact that she was there, so Gideon heard her easily. "Who are you? Go away, you dumb bunny or I'll..." He said loudly.
Zoe saw him freeze and drop the branch he'd been holding, his blue eyes wide and his jaw open. He had a very thick country accent. "... Gods, Yer eyes! 'R ya blind?"
Clasping her paws in front of the dress she was wearing, Zoe slowly strolled up to him saying "No, I can see very well. Just as I can see the pain you're in."
"Ah don't need anyone's help! Ah'm jus fine!" He insisted, wiping his muzzle on his shirt sleeve.
"Your grandmother sent me here to help you Gideon."
Zoe saw anger burst on Gideon's features as he raised his paw, his claws splayed, and charged at her yelling "Don you talk 'bout muh grandma!"
Still zen, Zoe simply stood there and said, "I'm not talking about your grandma Gideon, I'm talking to her."
Gideon slid to a stop mere feet from Zoe, the doe well within range of his claws. He stood there, paw still raised, breathing heavily, his eyes filled with pain, anger, and... uncertainty. Zoe took a few small steps toward him, invading his personal space, keeping eye contact all the while. "Do you want to hurt me Gideon? Do you want to claw my cheek? I know that your grandmother wouldn't want that. I see her, in her old grey flower dress, a white shawl over her shoulders. She's worried about you and your mother, Darla. She says she can't rest until she's sure you two are safe."
Gideon went rigid when Zoe started speaking. But as she continued, she could see his face morph into a look of despair. His paw shook as he slowly lowered it to his side and, still looking into her eyes, slid down to his knees, weeping, his large body shaking as he cried. He tried saying something several times before he was able to get it out.
"G... Grandma?"
I'm here Gideon
"She's here" Zoe repeated.
"Why'd you leave? Ah needed you!" He sobbed.
I didn't want to leave you cub-cub. Please believe me!
"She didn't want to leave you Gideon, but people don't always have a choice."
"But ah cain't talk ta her anymore!"
Oh Gideon, you can always talk to me, I'm always listening. You just can't hear me when I talk to you.
"She says you can always talk to her, that she's always listening. That you just can't hear her when she talks to you."
"What do ah do Grandma? Pa wants me ta farm, I don lahk farmin! Ah wanta learn ta bake! But Pa don think its a proper career fer a fella."
Your daddy has to learn that you're your own mammal, he seems to have a skewed idea of what makes a proper male mammal. So, since this nice bunny is here to help, I want you to go to my room and look in my hope chest. At the bottom, there's a hand bound book, it has all of my recipes from when I was younger. You take that and go see Mr. Concolor and tell him that you're the grandson of 'Jewel'. Let him know what you want to do, and he'll take care of you. Evelyn then looked at Zoe and said He and I used to have a 'thing', don't tell! She put her finger to her lips after she said, 'don't tell'.
"She says that your daddy has a strange idea of what it means to be male. She wants you to go to her room and go into her hope chest. There's a hand bound book of recipes she wants you to have. She said to go see a Mr. Concolor and tell him you are Jewel's grandson and that you want to be a baker."
Gideon was still crying, but he'd left the sobbing behind. "Ah miss ya Grandma!"
And I miss you my little cub-cub!
"She says she misses you and called you 'cub-cub'."
This brought an awed expression to Gideon's face. Zoe reached out and stroked the fur on his cheek "Remember, she can hear you, so talk whenever you want. And, if that doesn't help, come find me and I'll be happy to talk to you. You are loved Gideon Grey, your grandmother stayed for love of you, your momma protects you, and I care about you too, okay?"
Gideon just looked at her and asked, "Who are you?"
Zoe smiled at him fondly and said "Zoe, Zoe Hopps."
"Hopps!?" Gideon uttered.
Greg blames the Hopps for his uncle's death and has been trying to raise Gideon to hate your family especially. Marge reminded her.
"Ah, I see." Zoe stated. "Gideon, your dad blaming my family for your great uncle's death is wrong, both him and Billy were just doing what boys do and had a tragic accident."
"Ah... Ah believe you Zoe. Thank you!"
"You're welcome Gideon. Now, do you need a ride home? My trucks on the road over that way" Zoe pointed back the way she came.
Gideon shook his head as he stood "Nah, Pa'd have a right bad fit if'n he saw me be'n brought home, even wurs in a Hopps truck."
"Okay then Gideon. Remember, if you ever need to talk to someooooffffff!" Zoe ended as she was suddenly engulfed in a huge fox hug.
"Thank you so much Zoe!" Gideon said as he released her. "Yer not bad, fer a bunny!" He smiled as he said it, showing that he was just joking. He started walking toward the woods but turned just before entering them and waved goodbye to her. Zoe waved back, her heart feeling lighter after helping Gideon and the need to go to the mountains faded. She now felt the need for some cuddling with the kits in the nursery, so she walked back to her truck and headed home.
oooOOOooo
Zoe spent many happy hours in Nursery taking care of the kits and playing with the ones in the Toddlers room. This is, of course, where Judy found her that afternoon. Judy walked her back to their room where Zoe described what had happened during her drive. At first Judy was incensed that Gideon would threaten Zoe. But Zoe was able to calm her down as she explained the source of Gideon's anger issues and showed that she came to no harm.
"Still doesn't excuse him from threatening you Z!" Judy spat.
"Love," Zoe said as she pressed her chest against her girlfriends and snuggled her head under Judy's jaw "He's been conditioned for years, and I think that I put a stop to that today. Gideon might not be the brightest crayon in the box, but I think he's realized his Pa isn't something to aspire to."
"Hmph. I'm still not happy about it."
"Because you love me" Zoe smiled, even though Judy couldn't see it.
"I do." Judy stated as she wrapped her arms around Zoe, kissed her between her ears, and then laid her cheek atop Zoe's head. Judy really did love this little doe that had dropped into her life so unexpectedly and captured her heart.
"So, we have a couple of hours before dinner, any ideas about what you'd like to do until then?" Zoe asked.
Judy smirked "I know exactly what I'd like to do until then, but you haven't said you're ready yet." Zoe felt her cheeks heating up, knowing exactly what Judy was alluding to. She still wasn't ready, but she could feel her resolve faltering.
"As a second-best option," Judy continued "let's go swimming!"
Zoe grinned and dashed for the door with Judy right behind her, laughing.
oooOOOooo
Judy drove toward their favorite spot, Zoe holding her paw and leaning into her side. Once they got to the clearing, both shed their clothes as they ran down to the lake, laughing like hyena's the entire time. Zoe was the first one to make it to the water's edge and made a shallow dive into the water, quickly followed by Judy. Both doe's swam and splashed each other for over an hour before they crawled out of the lake and lay in the warm grass allowing the sun and the wind to dry their fur.
As usual, Judy was the one to initiate things. She rolled over against Zoe, threw her leg over hers, and gazed into those colorless orbs that she still found exotic. She could see the faint outlines where the iris and pupil would be as they moved around, and she knew that Zoe's gaze was traveling all over her face. Judy could see the love that Zoe had for her in those milky eyes.
Zoe was indeed running her gaze over Judy's features, thinking how lucky she was to have Judy in her life and how much she loved her. She closed her eyes in contentment when she felt Judy's paw start stroking the fur on her back. Zoe laid her paw on Judy's hip and was giving her short, tender caresses. She tilted her head forward slightly in invitation and Judy wasted no time in taking it. Their lips locked together, and Zoe was amazed at how Judy could kiss so softly. It was easily as sensual as when Judy would roughly mash her lips onto hers and force her tongue into Zoe's mouth, just different. Judy released Zoe's lips but only moved a fraction of an inch away as she stared once more into Zoe's eyes and said, "I love you Zoe."
Zoe felt her love for Judy explode from her pores and with her heart was in her eyes when she said, "I love you too Judy." Judy rubbed her nose against Zoe's before continuing to kiss her. They continued in that vein until the sun had dipped down to the horizon and it started turning cool. Reluctantly, the two lovers stopped their enjoyable activity and donned their clothes.
The drive back was just as quiet if for a different reason. Both doe's were tired from the day's pursuits, the swimming, and the enjoyable time in each other's arms. Each was thinking of the other and what an amazing mammal each had as a girlfriend.
That night, as Zoe and Judy got ready for bed. Zoe caught Judy's eye and stripped, laying her clothes on top of the dresser. Judy's eyes were huge and full of love as she mirrored Zoe's actions. Judy stepped closer to Zoe, who stood her ground. When Judy got close enough, she wrapped her arms around Zoe and asked hopefully, "Does this mean you're ready?"
Zoe shook her head slowly and replied "No. But I trust you and I don't see how this is any different than how we were earlier. I'll get there Love, just not yet."
Judy couldn't say she wasn't disappointed, but Zoe was worth the wait. Judy bussed Zoe and then led her to their bed, where they held each other close under the covers and fell into a deep, contented, sleep.
oooOOOooo
Zoe was a little worried. She'd overstayed her shift in the Nursery by over an hour, again, but Judy wasn't waiting for her as usual. It was one of Judy's off days and no one she talked to knew where she was. Candace said she knew something but blackmailed her into the promise of a kiss with tongue, to be given whenever Candace wanted it, before she'd tell Zoe what she knew. Zoe promised and Candace told her that Judy had taken on of the family trucks into town on an errand earlier that morning.
Zoe had hoped that they could spend the rest of the day together, but Judy didn't come home until just before dinner that night. Zoe didn't ask her why she was gone so long because she didn't think it was any of her business. She was just glad that Judy was safe and back home.
Weeks passed and life had once again fallen into a routine. Other than school, Zoe spent most of her time either with Judy, or down in the Nursery. At other times, it was spent with different members of the family. Zoe spent a lot of time with Candace who, crafty doe that she was, called in her blackmail during dinner. Zoe was even able to spend some time getting re-aquainted with Sam. She admitted that she was attracted to Sam, but not near as much as she was attracted to Judy, or even Candace.
oooOOOooo
It was one of those rare days where both Judy and Zoe had the whole day off. Judy told Zoe that they were going to spend the entire day together downtown, and they did. They toured the stores and shopped, ate lunch, then shopped some more. They went to a movie and then dinner, followed by a walk through the park holding paws. The final part of the date day ended, as it usually did, at their spot.
They broke through the trees, each one holding the other's paw. Judy had seemed awfully quiet on the walk to the clearing, which troubled Zoe a little. It had been a great day and Zoe had loved every moment. Even once they'd reached their little hideaway, Judy was reserved, standoffish. Zoe turned to Judy to ask what was wrong when she saw Judy's expression. Zoe's stomach twisted, eerily similar to the kind of cramps she'd get during her periods when she was human.
"Baby? What's wrong?" Zoe asked a little fearfully.
"There's something I want to discuss with you, something I want to ask you."
Zoe's heart felt like someone was reaching into her chest and squeezing it in their fist. "Y... You're not... b... breaking up with me? Are you?" She stuttered, tears forming in her eyes, her ears falling to lay flat against her back.
Judy's eyes shot open wide and she exclaimed "Gods NO!"
Zoe could breathe again. She leaned into Judy seeking comfort and trembled as Judy put her arms around her. "No Love, I told you before when I asked you to be my girlfriend that I wanted you to be mine. I'm sorry if I gave the wrong impression, I'm just really nervous."
Zoe was confused. Judy was one of the strongest people she had ever met, her dedication to becoming a cop was legendary. She'd never heard or seen Judy be nervous about anything. "Then why have you been nervous? You're scaring me."
"I'm sorry Z, I didn't mean to scare you, and the reason I'm nervous is... this" Judy produced a small, square box from her pocket and opened it. Zoe's eyes widened as she saw the tiny ring with a small diamond in the center surrounded by several tiny diamonds. It took Zoe's mind a few seconds before it sunk in that this was an engagement ring. A ring that someone gave to a person that they loved and that they wanted to marry. And Judy had one, in her hands, holding it out to her.
Zoe's heart was racing, and she was panting. She looked up into Judy's jeweled colored eyes. "Zoe, ever since I met you I knew that I wanted you in my life. Being girlfriends doesn't seem like enough and I want more. I want a more permanent relationship with you. Zoe Hopps, would you marry me?"
Zoe let the breath she'd been holding out explosively. She could feel her eyes watering with tears, and she felt like her legs wouldn't hold her up. She saw Judy waiting expectantly, worry starting to enter those marvelous orbs. Zoe was so overwhelmed that all she could do was smile... and nod her acceptance.
Her ears bobbed so low that her right one smacked Judy lightly on top of her head, causing both doe's to laugh lightly, one in relief and the other in joy. Judy's paw was shaking as she tried placing the ring on Zoe's finger, but since Zoe's paw was shaking also, so it took several tries before it was firmly on her finger. Tears still dripping down her fur, Zoe wrapped her arms around her doe as Judy's did the same to her.
"I was so scared you were going to say 'no' or ask to wait. I couldn't wait any longer Z. I had to know that you'd be willing to marry me."
Zoe giggled "Yes, yes I'll marry you." Then she sniffled, her nose runny from so much emotion coursing through her. Wanting to prove her words, Zoe reared back, grabbed Judy's cheeks in her paws, and smashed her lips to Judy's, and for the first time ever, she forced her tongue into Judy's mouth. Judy seemed to have no problem with Zoe taking the lead for once if how tightly Judy squeezed Zoe to her was any indication.
They didn't make out, simply stood and held each other. Both giving the other liberal kisses on the face, muzzle, neck, and shoulders. They'd pause occasionally to just stand cheek to cheek. Judy's tears of relief and happiness mixing with Zoe's tears of joy. Eventually, they were able to pull themselves together and dry their tears.
"I wanted to ask you here because..." Judy started
"It's our place." Zoe interrupted.
Her forehead pressed against Zoe's; Judy nodded slightly.
"I don't want to get married here though; I want to keep this as our place." Zoe stated.
"I agree. Maybe we could honeymoon here? Set up a tent? Would that be okay? Or would you prefer a stay in Zootopia itself? Or even Outback Island?"
Zoe shook her head "No, here would be perfect. Peace and quiet, privacy, swimming, hiking, there's so much we could do. Just, how soon were you wanting to get married Love?"
"Well, now that you've said 'yes', I can wait a while before we become official mates. As long as it's before I leave for Zootopia."
Zoe had been a little tense, afraid that Judy would want to be married within weeks. Zoe was hoping for a couple of months or so, letting her get used to the idea of being married to Judy. A year was more than she was expecting.
Judy, much more at ease and orders of magnitude happier, led Zoe back to the truck and home. When they'd entered the burrow, there were dozens of Hopps waiting, which startled Zoe. When Judy screamed "She said yes!", they all started clapping and shouting congratulations, with Candace yelling "It's about time!"
There was a soft thud toward the back of the room where their father, Stu, proved once again he didn't handle these kinds of things well and fainted next to his beaming wife, Bonnie. Zoe turned to Judy and asked, "Did you tell them you were going to propose to me?"
Judy grinned and said "No. If you knew how many proposals there were in this family, you'd understand how they could spot the signs."
oooOOOooo
More weeks passed and Zoe had acquired the habit of playing with her engagement ring. The newness still hadn't worn off and she would catch herself staring at the ring while she thought of Judy, sometimes losing huge swaths of time. The other members of her family would smile indulgently at her as they saw her walking by, staring at the ring. Several members of the Hopps clan placed bets on how many times she'd be observed walking into a wall or door. Many of the toddlers marveled at her ring, trying to pry the center diamond off and play with it.
Her time with Judy remained the same now that the surprise had passed. They coordinated with Bonnie on the wedding, which would be a 'small' family affair with a few friends added. Judy and Zoe had driven into downtown to get the items they both needed and wanted for their honeymoon by the lake.
Zoe talked to her parents and Judy about inviting Gideon Grey to the wedding. Her parents were against it and tried constantly to talk her out of it. Judy wasn't happy at first, but when Zoe told her that it could help seal the rift between the two families started, and sustained, by Gary Grey, she relented. After that, her parents didn't have much choice, though they still tried to talk her out of allowing Gideon to attend.
Not wanting to cause problems, Zoe contacted the spirit of Mabel Grey who gave her Darla's phone number. Zoe held the phone near her ear, not too close because of her super bunny hearing. PB&J still hadn't made phones taking in account how sensitive rabbit hearing was. She heard it ring several times before it was picked up. She had called during the day when she figured that Greg would be out on the farm.
"Hello?"
Zoe sighed in relief; it was a female voice. "Hello? Mrs. Grey?"
"Speaking. May I ask who is calling?"
"Mrs. Grey, my name is Zoe, I'm a friend of Gideon's. I'm going to be getting married in a month or so and I wanted to know if Gideon could attend. I'd send an invitation, but I'm afraid that I'd cause some issues with your husband if he saw it."
"And why would that be a... wait a minute! Zoe, are you Zoe Hopps?"
"Yes Ma'am."
"Look, I don't know what you're playing at, telling my son that his grandmother is haunting us, but I don't appreciate it! Thank you for helping my son last month, but stay away from us!"
The line went dead.
Zoe was sad, not just because Gideon couldn't come, but because of the home life he had. She knew that Gideon's mother loved him and protected him from the brunt of his father's wrath, so Zoe didn't blame her. Greg Grey on the other hand... Zoe knew that he was an alcoholic and took his anger out on both Gideon and his mother, but try as she might, she couldn't find any way to help.
Zoe let Judy know how the conversation went and Judy tried to cheer Zoe up but was only partially successful. Zoe also explained about the things that she knew, but couldn't do anything about them and how much she hated that.
oooOOOooo
Something caused Zoe to wake up to a dark room. Zoe? Please! Gideon needs you! Zoe? Please wake up!
Zoe recognized that voice and sat up, holding the blanket to her chest "Mrs. Grey? Marge?"
Yes! Please, Gideon needs you! He's at the hospital with his mother. Greg exploded when he overheard Darla telling Gideon that he wasn't to communicate with you anymore. He hurt Darla so much the doctors aren't sure she's going to make it and Gideon is in such anguish.
"Gods! I'll be there as soon as I can!" And with that, Marge disappeared.
Zoe twisted over and shook Judy "Judy! I have to go, Gideon needs me!"
"Mmmfff?"
"Baby, Gideon's mom is in the hospital, and I need to get there."
"Mkay, but I'm going with you. We'll just have to stop by the kitchen for some coffee first." Zoe seconded that as she got up and got dressed, Judy following withing seconds.
After getting coffee and the keys to a truck, Judy drove with one hand while drinking her coffee. Zoe would have drove, but Judy knew the way, and with it being pitch black outside, it was better for Judy to drive.
"Is this going to be happening often Baby?" Judy asked.
Zoe felt bad because she thought that Judy had accepted her. "I'm sorry Love. I can't help it. I... if you... don't want to... to be with me..." Zoe started crying, her shoulders slumping and her ears sagging, thinking that Judy wouldn't want her anymore.
"DON'T! Don't even think for one instant that I don't want you. I'd marry you tomorrow if you'd agree to it. I just want to know so that I can prepare for it."
"Oh" Zoe shuddered.
"Actually, I've been thinking. You know that with your abilities, you'd make a hell of a cop! Maybe we could even partner up?"
More stable, Zoe answered her "I... haven't really given it much thought."
"Beautiful, you're going to be 14 soon, then in two more years you'll reach the age of Ascension. You wouldn't be able to be a cop for another two years after that, but you could be taking college courses while I work. I'd... really like you to move to Zootopia with me after I graduate the ZPD course and I find us a place to live." She reached out and grabbed Zoe's paw, squeezing it snugly.
"I'd like that." Zoe said as she placed her head on Judy's shoulder.
oooOOOooo
Judy and Zoe walked swiftly up to the reception desk. A middle-aged groundhog in scrubs whose name tag read 'Teddy' was busy scrolling through his phone. He looked up at their approach, saw Zoe, screamed, and fell out of his chair. He quickly climbed back up, apologizing profusely.
"We're here to see the Grey's. Darla Grey was brought in recently."
Teddy started typing in the information when Zoe suddenly knew. "Room 217 east, this way" she said as she began pulling Judy behind her, leaving a very confused Teddy sitting at his desk.
As they entered the hallway, they could see Edgar and Walter there with a female ferret and a male cougar, both in scrubs with lab coats. The only reaction Zoe's eyes got from the doctors was a slight widening of theirs.
"Judy, Zoe? What are you doing here?" Walter asked.
"Another one of those 'things' Walter. We need to see Gideon."
Both Edgar and Walter nodded sagely while the doctors simply looked at each other. "Only family is allowed in young lady." Stated the ferret whose name tag read 'Dr. Lidae.'
"NO!" Came a cry from inside the room "Let'm in!" The doctors just shrugged and the doe's started to go in the room. Edgar grabbed Zoe's wrist so she turned towards him. "Zoe, whatever help you can give us on this one please do. Greg's gone missing and we have a warrant out for his arrest."
Edgar almost stepped back at the look of hate and anger that Zoe was giving off, afraid he'd done something wrong until he heard her answer. "Ed, I will do everything I can to help you catch that feces eater!" Zoe's wrist slipped from his slackened grip, eternally grateful that her hate and anger wasn't directed at him.
As Zoe entered the room, she let her breath out in a loud hiss. Gideon had bandages over his face, his left eye was blackened, the right side of his muzzle was swollen, and his left arm was in a sling. His mother was much worse, there didn't seem much of her that wasn't covered in bandages, only one of her eyes was visible. Tubes were running out of her nose and throat, IV's were in her arms. Machines were beeping quietly showing her vital signs. Zoe had no idea what they meant, but Marge had given dire news at the burrow.
Marge was there standing at the head of the bed, her face reflecting the inner sorrow she was experiencing. When Gideon saw them, he got up and quickly strode up to Zoe. Judy tried to reflexively pull her out of the way, but Zoe resisted. Gideon pulled Zoe into a hug much to Judy's surprise, especially when Zoe returned the hug. After a few seconds Gideon raised his muzzle and said, in a harsh whisper, "Ah'm sorry Judy fer everthin Ah done. Ah have been a major jerk."
Judy's eyes slowly widened in surprise, Gideon Grey, apologizing? Zoe pulled away from the hug, her eyes becoming blurry from unshed tears. "No, Gideon, this is my fault. I called your mom to see if you could come to my wedding and your dad heard you two arguing about it. That's what set him off, if I hadn't called, none of this would have happened. I'm not even going to get married for another month or so, I just..."
Gideon rubbed Zoe's back and said, "Not your fault, if it wasn' that he'da picked somethin' else."
Judy put her paw on Zoe's shoulder and "He's right Love. Abusive people don't really need an excuse but try to make one in order to justify their actions."
Zoe didn't really feel any better, she still felt that it was still her fault this happened.
Thank you Zoe, for at least trying to heal the rift between our families. I'm just not sure what's going to happen to Gideon if Darla dies. The doctor's say it's all up to her now, but she'd getting worse.
"I don't know Marge, the only medicine I know is from watching TV."
"Marge?" Judy asked.
"Oh, I'm sorry, you haven't met her, she's the one that woke us up earlier. Judy, this is Marge Grey, Gideon's grandmother. Marge, this is my fiance Judy."
Oh my. Well, bunnies always did marry early.
"Grandma's here?" Gideon asked.
Where else would I be cub-cub?
"She says 'Where else would she be'."
Gideon turned to Zoe, his face showing how pitiful he felt "Zoe, Ah heard the doctor's say they don think Ma's gonna make it." He started sobbing "Ah cain't lose her too!"
Zoe felt like crying but then she felt a nudge, making her want to be next to Darla. "Gideon? Do you trust me?"
"Yes." A simple reply, but it meant a great deal to Zoe at this moment.
"I'm going to try something, but I'm not sure it's going to work."
"Whatcha goin try?"
"I'm going to try to talk to your mother."
Edgar and Walter had been watching and listening to the group as they conversed. The doctors looked confused because they didn't see anyone named 'Marge' in the room. Edgar and Walter just looked knowingly at each other; this was one of those 'Zoe' things. When Zoe said she was going to try something, the two doctors started to enter the room to stop them, trying to protect their patient. Edgar stopped them saying "Just wait and watch, what could it hurt?" The doctors looked at each other and shrugged. They'd already done what they could, and the poor vixen was dying anyway.
Zoe walked over until she was near the top of the bed "Gideon, come here." Gideon walked over next to Zoe and his mother. Zoe grabbed his right paw and told him to grab his mother's right paw in his left. Judy strode foreward, raised Darla's right paw, and placed it in Gideon's left paw that was in the sling. Gideon smiled his thanks and Judy smiled back.
Zoe was thinking that, since she could talk to spirits, she might be able to talk to Darla. After all, what were spirits but the souls of the living freed from their earthly bonds? Zoe stood on a small footstool placed at the head of the bed for the smaller members of the nursing staff to reach things like the monitors and IV's.
"I'm going to try talking to your mom. I've never done anything like this before so I'm not sure it's going to work."
"Ah don care, all ya can do is try. Thank you."
"Thank me if it works." Judy watched Zoe place her right paw on one of the few patches of fur not covered by bandages. Zoe closed her eyes and concentrated. This was so different than speaking to ghosts. She kept pushing her sixth sense, urging it toward Darla's body. Zoe's sight seemed to darken, cutting off what light leaked through her eyelids, until she was bodiless in an endless, ebony void.
Darla? Darla, I'm trying to find you. Help me, Darla Zoe saw nothing, sensed nothing. It was as if Darla's spirit had retreated beyond all outside contact, her mind protecting itself from the abuse her body was suffering from.
Darla? It's me, Zoe. I'm here with your son, Gideon. Zoe sensed more than saw a small flash of light. Concentrating on where she sensed the light to have come from, Zoe continued trying to contact Darla Darla, you're in the hospital, your son Gideon is here. He's worried about you Darla, he's afraid you're going to leave him.
Gideon? It was a weak response, but the light was brighter and, when it faded, it was still visible this time.
Yes, Gideon is here. He needs you Darla, please don't leave him. He's my friend and he's so afraid of losing you. Come back Darla, I promise you're safe. Come back to your son.
Gideon! The thought was much stronger now. The light was a great deal brighter and seemed much closer.
That's it Darla, come back. Can you feel your son holding your paw? Can you feel Gideon? He loves you and wants his mom back. You're safe Darla. You're in the Tri-burrows hospital. There are two cops just outside your door and they have a warrant to arrest your husband. He's on the run and can't hurt you or your son anymore. Come back Darla, come back to your son.
A very pretty vixen appeared in front of Zoe, her face awash in concern. Gideon's okay? He's not hurt?
Gideon's okay Darla, he's a little banged up but he's right next to you. He's holding your paw, can you feel him?
The vixen closed her eyes and Zoe could see her face relax into a large smile Yes, I can feel him squeezing my paw. Oh, my boy is okay! And Greg is gone? He's not coming back?
Edgar and Walter say they have a warrant out for him. Greg is on the run and hiding, but they're looking for him.
And you're here, talking to me. How are you here? I don't understand.
I'm an Entry Darla, I have certain talents.
You said you talked to Marge and I didn't believe you.
It's okay, most people don't believe. It's time for you to wake up, Gideon needs to see that his mom is okay. So wake up Darla, "wake up."
The two doctors watched as the rabbit with the strange eyes and midnight black fur held paws with the short, stocky fox and lightly place one hand on their patient's head. The bunny started moving her lips with no sound coming forth. A short time later, the ferret nudged the cougar in the leg with her elbow and pointed to the monitors.
As the bunny mumbled under her breath, the vixen's life signs started rising. The longer the bunny talked, the higher they rose, until they were at a level normal for a fox of her age. Then, they gazed in wonder as the vixen's eye opened, Zoe opening her eyes at the same time Darla did. Darla's good eye swiveled around trying to see her son.
Zoe moved off the footstool and told Gideon to open his eyes.
"MA!" Gideon cried out. He wanted to hug her so very much, but she was covered in bandages, so he just hugged her paw to him. Gideon was crying again, but this time it was tears of relief and joy. Zoe felt an overwhelming wave of fatigue wash over her and she sagged, to be caught by her fiancé, who pulled her close and supported her. "You okay Beautiful?" Judy asked.
"Mmmm, yeah. Just tired, that took more out of me than I expected."
Darla's doctors belatedly came into the room, shooing Judy and Zoe, as non-family members, out. Judy helped Zoe to one of the chairs in the waiting room, followed closely by Walter.
"Just when I've thought that I've seen it all, you come along and turn the world on its horns Zoe Hopps." Walter said as he smiled and shook his head in wonder.
"I'm going to go get us some coffee from the cafeteria, I think we both could use the caffeine." Judy said, planting a quick kiss on Zoe's lips and heading down the hall.
"So," Walter said "fiance huh? When did that happen?"
Zoe couldn't help grinning, her joy pushing some of her fatigue away. "A few weeks ago. I'll be sending you and Edgar an invitation shortly."
"Well, congratulations. Now, can you use some of that magic of yours to help us find Greg?"
Zoe's eyes narrowed and her anger again rose within her. "However I can help you Walter, I will. A mammal like that shouldn't be running free."
"I agree with you there. Now, what do you need?"
Zoe thought. She wasn't getting any nudges at the moment, so she'd have to try a different tactic. "Do you have anything of his? Fur would be best, if possible. If not, something personal he kept near him?"
Walter thought a moment and then nodded "Yeah. Hang on, I'll be right back." While he was gone, Judy returned with their coffee's. Judy had made hers just as she liked it - tons of cream and sugar. Judy would usually joke with her about having a little coffee with her cream and sugar.
When Walter returned, he saw both bunnies curled up together in the same chair, sipping their coffee.
"I should congratulate you Judy on your engagement, I'd say it was a very smart move on your part." He grinned.
Zoe grinned as well, and said "Yeah, well, she caught me at a weak moment and I couldn't say no when she looked at me so pleadingly with those beautiful eyes of hers."
"Hey!" Judy exclaimed, slapping Zoe lightly on the shoulder as she grinned at her fiance.
Walter laughed and then handed Zoe a paper bag. "This is his hat; he's known for always wearing it. There's a running joke that he wore it during his wedding, but who knows, it could have been true."
Zoe opened the bag and pulled out an old, threadbare, baseball cap. It had a faded green front with the logo of a tractor and a 'ZTS&S' patch on the front along with what was once white mesh on the sides and back, now a tan color. Zoe closed her eyes and opened herself to the aura infusing the cap.
She inhaled sharply when the vision hit her, and she started repeating what she was seeing. "I'm in a cave somewhere in the foothills of some mountains. The opening is... like a door, rectangular, nearly smooth. It's been worked with tools of some sort. Outside, there's trees all over and an old dirt road. It's in bad shape, I wouldn't drive it. There's... a river, it's pretty fast moving, and it curves. The cave is almost centered in the bend. I get the feeling that the place used to be important. He's been here many times, he's happier here." Zoe's vision faded and she opened her eyes "I'm sorry, but that's all I can see."
Walter had been writing notes in his pad "That's plenty, I think I have an idea where he is. There used to be a copper mine in that area that fits your description. We'll check it out."
Zoe sagged in relief; they had a better chance of catching that pile of crap now.
"Ladies?" A smooth voice asked. Standing in front of them was the cougar, his name tag showing 'Dr. Lambert' "The family is requesting to see you. I don't know what you did, but it's nothing short of a miracle. You saved that vixen's life, thank you!"
Judy aided Zoe in standing up. Not that she needed it anymore, having been able to rest a little and the jolt of caffeine helped. Judy didn't release Zoe's paw, instead she wrapped Zoe's arm around hers. A different sight greeted them when they re-entered the room. Gideon was now sitting in a chair that had been pushed against the bed and was still holding his mom's paw. The tubes had been removed from Darla's nose and throat, allowing her to drink some water from a glass using a straw.
"Mrs. Grey, I'm sorry that I..." Zoe was interrupted when Mrs. Grey used her one good arm and waved off her apology.
"Not your fault." Darla spoke roughly, almost as if she'd damaged her throat from screaming too loud, too long, or both. "Would've happened no matter what. Thank you, Zoe, I don't know how you did that, but I'm very grateful to you. The doctors say that you saved my life." "
"Yeah, thank you Zoe, you're a true friend!" Gideon stated.
"I'm just glad it worked; I wasn't sure it would. I just didn't want you to lose your parents like I did."
I'd like to add my thanks to theirs Zoe, you're an amazing young doe and I couldn't be prouder of you if you were my own granddaughter!
Zoe blushed. "You're welcome Marge. Thank you for letting me know something was wrong."
Most of her face was in bandages, but what could be seen revealed shock on Darla's part "She's here? You can really see her? Talk to her?"
Gideon started nodding as Zoe answered. "Yes Ma'am. I'm an Entry, I've been able to do that since before I came to Zootopia."
At Darla's blank expression Zoe explained "Entries are mammals that lived in another reality, died, and woke up here in Zootopia."
"You DIED?!" Darla choked out loudly, causing her to cough. Gideon gave her some more water.
Zoe waited until she had recovered before continuing. "Yes ma'am. I was killed in a car accident, but my parents survived. I woke up in one of the Hopp's pumpkin patches and they ended up adopting me."
"You poor thing!"
Zoe grinned "Oh no, I'm grateful for the Hopps adopting me, it let me meet my fiance." Zoe turned and grinned at Judy as she squeezed her paw "I do miss my parents, but my life is here and I'm happy."
Let them know that I love them both and that I no longer consider Greg my son. And that I consider them the only family I have left. And Zoe?
Zoe translated, "Marge says to let you know that she no longer considers Greg her son, that you to two are the only family she has left. Yes Marge?"
If you don't mind, I'd like you to know that I think of you as a granddaughter and include you in that thought.
Zoe was stunned. "I... I, um, me?" Marge nodded.
"You do?" Marge nodded again. Zoe felt her heart swell from being accepted by someone not in her immediate family, her sense of belonging increased greatly. The three other living mammals were eyeing Zoe, wondering what was going on as they were only privy to one side of the conversation.
"Babe, what's she saying?" Judy asked.
"Uh, she says that she thinks of me as a granddaughter and a member of her family." Zoe remarked as she blushed.
Gideon's face lit up as he exclaimed with a big grin, "That'd make you muh sister!"
Zoe grinned back "Well, not by blood anyway, how about you be my... spiritual brother?" Gideon was still grinning when he agreed. Darla had been watching the byplay and thinking. It was a lot to take in, but she couldn't deny that the strange little doe had saved her life, rescuing Gideon from being an orphan. It didn't seem to matter to that doe that foxes and rabbits had been natural enemies thousands of years ago.
Darla spoke up "Zoe, if it's okay with you, I'd like to come to your wedding as well as Gideon. After all, it's not every day that your spiritual daughter gets married."
Zoe's jaw hung open, matched with Judy's. Within the space of five minutes, Zoe had closed a rift between the two families that had lasted over 70 years.
Does this mean you accept Zoe? Marge asked.
Zoe had started crying, happy tears at least. She looked at Marge and said "Yeah, I do... Grandma!" Marge beamed at Zoe with an ear-to-ear grin. She couldn't wait to see what her granddaughter would be able to accomplish in the future.
oooOOOooo
It was 5 am when they climbed back into bed. They'd run into their mom and dad in the parking lot and gave them a quick explanation of what had happened. Their parents were surprised, and Bonnie told them to take the day off of chores to catch up on their sleep. The duo left their parents in the parking lot, their dad still frozen in the same position as when they began their recitation. Judy and Zoe cuddled close to one another and, between one breath and the next, was fast asleep.
A/N: So, that happened. I had Gideon apologize much earlier than in canon because it fit into my story better that way.
There will be larger time jumps coming in the next few chapters. Most of it will be fluff and filler until Zoe gets to Zootopia.
This chapter is rather large, at least for me. I considered splitting it in two but couldn't really find a decent spot to stop, so I'm leaving it as is.
Hope y'all have been enjoying the story. If you have any suggestions, let me know. I may, or may not, include them, at least in this story. So, click 'follow' or, even better, 'favorite'! I live for your reviews!
Blessed Be